February 11, 2015 STATEMENT—LIRS Statement Regarding the Shooting of Muslim Students in North Carolina

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) wishes to express profound sadness at the tragic loss of three promising students in North Carolina. Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha were exemplary members of the local community, who supported various humanitarian causes, including advocating for global dental health, and working with international refugees.

Such an act of violence goes against the very fiber of our nation. It also creates a sense of vulnerability for all of us. LIRS denounces such acts and urges persons everywhere to continue working towards creating just and welcoming communities for persons of all faiths and cultures.